It named the two as Khuram Shazad Butt, a 27-year-old born in Pakistan, and 30-year-old Rachid Redouane of Moroccan and Libyan descent. Both of them are from Barking, east London. Redouane also used the name Rachid Elkhdar.

Inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identity of the third attacker, the police said. All three were shot dead by armed officers within eight minutes of the first call on Saturday night.

“Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has any information about these men that may assist them with the investigation. They are particularly keen to hear about places they may have frequented and their movements in the days and hours before the attack,” the police said in a statement.

So far 12 people -- seven women and five men -- have been arrested and six properties searched in connection with the attack claimed by the Islamic State group. One of the arrested men and one of the women were subsequently released.

Recalling details of the terror attack, the statement said at 10.08pm on Saturday, a hired white Renault van travelled north to south on London Bridge and mounted the pavement. The van collided with pedestrians before the attackers abandoned the vehicle.

The three attackers, armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people. The attackers were then confronted by firearms officers. Eight officers discharged their weapons and killed the attackers.

The next of kin of the seven victims were being informed, the police said, adding that it was taking time because some of them were foreign nationals. Of the 48 people taken to hospital, 36 were being cared for in London hospitals with 18 remaining in a critical condition.

People attend a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack on London Bridge, at Potter's Field Park with Tower Bridge in the background in London.
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Scotland Yard added there were 500 current terrorism investigations, involving 3,000 individuals of interest. Khuram Shazad Butt was known to the police and MI5, but Rachid Redouane was not known.

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said: “The security and intelligence services and police have stopped 18 plots since 2013, including five since the Westminster attack two months ago.”